Vintage Original Fulani order Hat Basketry Wall Hanging from West Africa - African Decor

As comfortable as it is interesting and unusual, this lively chapeau is authentic West African headwear that makes a fabulous wall hanging as well. These are especially popular with drummers. This hat displays a rich cultural significance for many African people.


The captivating and culturally unique Fulani hat is a conical fiber hat with leather applications that comes from the order Fulani people in West Africa. It is typically worn by the Wodaabe , a nomadic cattle-herder subgroup of the Fulani. This hat is often worn above a Turban. Basically, a Fulani hat is a basketry hat made of plant fibers . It is covered in leather both at the brim and top and sometimes with decorative leather elements in the middle. At the very top of the hat there is a knob which is covered in leather.

Not only is it worn to protect the wearer from the harsh rays of the sun, but is also a symbol of wealth and status. During festivals Fulani men will wear these hats as way to attract women. Made from leather and fiber, each hat is embellished with cowrie shells and to other typical Fulani adornments. Each hat is hand-made by the people of Mali, West Africa.